Cosmetic Surgery: Do’s and Don’ts

Before electing to have cosmetic surgery, there are some things you should be aware of to make sure you are taking an intelligent, realistic approach to the procedure. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to consider when considering cosmetic surgery.

DON’T (Cosmetic Surgery)

Do It For Anyone But Yourself Cosmetic surgery should be done for you and you alone. Having cosmetic surgery to please someone else, like a boyfriend or husband, is not a good reason. Nobody else but you can give you the self-esteem you need to have a healthy image of yourself.

Rush Into It You must be in good health prior to any operation. Your surgeon will likely require you to be cleared by your primary care physician prior to surgery. It’s also best to be as physically fit as you can, which can make the recovery process go much smoother.

Have Unrealistic Expectations If you’re looking to cosmetic surgery to transform your entire life, you’re going to be very disappointed. Talk to your doctor before undergoing cosmetic surgery to make sure you clearly understand what is attainable and what results you can reasonably expect.

DO (Cosmetic Surgery)

Ask your surgeon a number of questions before committing to cosmetic surgery, including:

• Am I a good candidate? • How long can I expect my recovery to be and how can I best prepare? • What are risks and complications with my procedure? • How extensive is your experience in performing this type of procedure? • What results can I realistically expect?

Follow Doctor’s Orders Your surgeon knows what’s best for you during your cosmetic surgery journey, so make sure to heed his or her advice. This may include quitting tobacco and alcohol prior to your procedure, making certain lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and enlisting ways to help yourself heal as quickly and safely as possible for optimal results.

Remember Your Inner Self-Worth Improving your appearance can be a tremendous boost to your self-esteem, but at the end of the day, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Celebrate your new physical traits, but also remember the characteristics that make you who you are as a whole – intelligence, compassion and humor, for example, are just as important.